U.S. patent number 6,699,118 [Application Number 10/305,282] was granted by the patent office on 2004-03-02 for vent apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership. Invention is credited to Lonnie E. Holder, Scott W. Keller, Adam William Wahner.
United States Patent |
6,699,118 |
Wahner , et al. |
March 2, 2004 |
Vent apparatus
Abstract
A vent apparatus for an enclosed space such as that within a
structure or a vehicle, including a vent tube having a first end
that extends outside of the closed space and a second end that is
connected to the enclosed space and a vent cap removably coupled to
the vent tube and capable of pivoting or swiveling with respect to
the vent tube to prevent water from entering the reservoir through
the vent tube.
Inventors: |
Wahner; Adam William (Sullivan,
IL), Keller; Scott W. (Charleston, IL), Holder; Lonnie
E. (Sullivan, IL) |
Assignee: |
Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
(Sullivan, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
31715471 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/305,282 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/20;
454/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23L
17/10 (20130101); F24F 7/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F23L
17/10 (20060101); F24F 7/02 (20060101); F23L
17/00 (20060101); F23L 017/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;454/20,4,5,275,276,367,368 ;52/198,199 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Boles; Derek
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg,
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vent apparatus for a structure having a closed space,
comprising: a vent tube having a first end located outside the
structure and a second end connected to the closed space of the
structure; a fitting mounted in the first end of the vent tube and
comprising an opening formed therein for permitting air to flow
through the fitting to and from the vent tube and a first
engagement structure mounted thereon; a vent cap mounted to the
fitting and comprising a top surface integrally connected to a
continuous side wall extending downwardly from the top surface,
whereby the combination of the vent cap and the fitting permits air
flow in and out of the closed space and the vent cap is capable of
pivoting with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vent
tube.
2. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
engagement structure is integrally formed on the fitting.
3. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
engagement structure is glued to the fitting.
4. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
engagement structure is press-fit on the fitting.
5. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the structure
containing the closed space is a building.
6. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the closed
space is within a motorized vehicle requiring an exhaust port.
7. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fitting
includes at least one aperture formed in the side of the fitting
and proximate to the top thereof.
8. A vent apparatus for a structure having a closed space,
comprising: a vent having a first end and a second end, where the
first end of the vent extends outside of the closed space and the
second end of the vent is connected to the closed space; a first
engagement structure located on the vent proximate to the first end
thereof; a vent cap mounted on the first end of the vent, the vent
cap comprising a generally cylindrical body with a closed top and
open bottom; a second engagement structure located on the inner
surface of the vent cap and cooperating with the first engagement
structure to allow the vent cap to be removably coupled to the vent
and to pivot with respect to the vent; and an opening associated
with the bottom of the vent cap and the first end of the vent to
permit airflow in and out of the closed space.
9. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 8, where the vent further
comprises: a generally cylindrical tube having a first end and a
second end, where the first end extends outside of the closed space
and the second end extends outside of the closed space.
10. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 9, where the first
engagement structure comprises an annulus integrally formed on the
vent.
11. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 9, where the first
engagement structure is press-fit on the fitting.
12. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 9, where the first
engagement structure is glued to the fitting.
13. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the annulus
extends around the entire circumference of the outer portion of the
second end of the fitting.
14. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the second
engagement structure is formed on an annular ring extending
downwardly from inside of the top of the vent cap.
15. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the structure
containing the closed space is a building.
16. A vent apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the closed
space is within a motorized vehicle requiring an exhaust port.
17. A kit for use with a structure having a closed space and a vent
tube, the vent tube having a top end extending from the closed
space and a bottom end connected to the closed space, the kit
comprising: a first engagement structure which may be mounted
proximate to the top end of the vent tube to form an enlarged
radial portion on the top of the vent tube; a vent cap capable of
being removably attached to the top end of the vent tube, the vent
cap comprising a generally cylindrical body having a top portion
which is closed and a bottom portion which is open, and a second
engagement structure on the inner surface of the top portion and
shaped to cooperate with the first engagement structure, whereby
the vent cap is able to pivot with respect to the tube.
18. A kit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the first engagement
structure extends around the entire circumference of the vent
tube.
19. A kit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the first engagement
structure is glued to the vent tube.
20. A kit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the first engagement
structure is press-fit on the vent tube.
21. A kit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the structure
containing the closed space is a building.
22. A kit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the closed space is
within a motorized vehicle requiring an exhaust port.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a vent apparatus and more
particularly, to a vent apparatus having a pivotal vent cap that
may be used in a wide variety of applications where it is needed to
provide airflow to or from a closed or enclosed space, while also
preventing water or other similar elements from entering the closed
space.
Vents and vent caps are known in the art. Generally, these devices
include a vent cap mounted to a vent, which extends into a opening.
The vent cap usually assumes a conical or triangular shape and
functions to keep water, ice, snow or other such elements from
entering the vent from a position substantially perpendicular to
and above the vent cap. While the existing vent caps have been
relatively successful at keeping water or other elements from
entering the vent from perpendicular positions above the vent cap,
such vent caps are susceptible to water and other elements entering
the closed space from positions which are substantially horizontal
to or below the vent cap. As is currently known in the art, water
can cause significant problems in the operation or longevity of the
devices or structures typically associated with the vent and vent
cap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome these disadvantages, the present invention is realized
through an improved vent apparatus. The improved vent apparatus
includes a vent tube with a first end extending outside of the
closed space and a second end extending into a closed space, a vent
cap attached to the first end for keeping water, snow, ice and
other elements from entering the vent tube. The vent cap includes a
top, a continuous side wall extending in a downward direction from
the top and a cap opening through which air enters the vent tube.
The vent cap also includes an annular structure located on an
inside top portion of the vent cap for enabling the vent cap to be
removably coupled to the vent tube. It should also be understood
that the closed space may exist as part of a variety of distinct
structures, which require an exhaust port that may be exposed to
the elements, such as a home or building, a boat, a car or any
other motorized vehicle.
A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features,
properties and relationships of the invention will be obtained from
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which
set forth an illustrative embodiment and is indicative of the
various ways in which the principles of the invention may be
employed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vent cap in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the vent apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in
combination with a closed space;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of a vent cap in accordance
with a second embodiment of this invention.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C depict alternative embodiments of an annular
structure of the vent on which the vent cap may be secured;
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment
of the vent cap in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of certain components of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5; and
FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict the vent apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in
combination with varying structures which include an enclosed space
with which the vent apparatus cooperates.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Turning now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer
to the like elements, there is illustrated a vent apparatus 10 for
providing airflow to a closed space, while also preventing water or
other similar elements from entering the closed space. FIGS. 1 and
2 depict a simplified version of the vent apparatus 10, having a
vent cap 11 mounted to a vent 12, which is mounted to and extends
into a closed space 14. The vent cap 11 is generally bowl shaped
and includes a top 15, a continuous side wall 16 and an opening 13.
To shield the vent 12 and vent opening 17 from the elements, the
side wall 16 extends in a generally downward direction from the top
15 and toward the opening 13.
Protrusion 19 are integrally formed on vent tube 12 and interact
with inner ring 18 which extends downwardly from top 15 to permit
vent cap 11 to pivot with respect to vent tube 12.
For preventing water from entering the closed space, the vent cap
11 is mounted to the vent 12 in a manner which allows the vent cap
11 to pivot with respect to the vent 12. Operation of the present
invention can be seen most clearly in FIG. 3, where the arrows
depict the direction of possible water spray against the apparatus.
In this embodiment, a vent tube 24 extends down into the closed
space (not shown), the vent tube 24 has a first end that extends
outside of the closed space and a second end that extends within
the closed space. The vent cap 11 may be removably coupled to a
fitting 22 that may be attached to the first end of the vent tube
24. Fitting 22 also includes a passage 26 having a top and a
bottom. The top of the passage has a first opening 27 and the
bottom of the passage has a second opening 29; the second opening
29 opens into the vent tube 24. It will be understood that the
specific arrangement and appearance of passage 26 is not critical
to this invention.
For allowing the vent cap 11 to pivot with respect to the vent 12,
the vent cap 11 may include an inner ring, 18 extending downwardly
from the inside of top 15 and having an inner circumference sized
to cooperate with and fit over the top of fitting 22. Thus, the
cooperation of the inner ring 18 and the fitting 22 enable the vent
cap 11 to pivot about the longitudinal axis of vent tube 24 and
fitting 22. As shown in FIG. 3, when water spray contacts the side
wall 16 of vent cap 11, the entire vent cap 11 swivels or pivots
with respect to the vent tube 12, so that the bottom of side wall
16 contacts vent tube 24 to aid in deflecting water away from the
first opening 27 of the passage 26, thereby minimizing the amount
of water that may enter the vent cap 11.
As exemplified in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pivoting
action may be achieved by the interaction between fitting 22 and
the inner ring 18. Specifically, fitting 22 has an annular
structure 28 formed thereon which protrudes outwardly from fitting
22 to contact the inner circumference of ring 18. Ring 18 may also
have an annular structure 25 which extends inwardly from the inner
circumference of the ring 18. The interaction of annular structures
25 and 28 permit the vent cap 10 to be coupled to the fitting 22,
while still permitting the vent cap 11 to pivot as described above.
It is preferred that the height of vent cap 11 (i.e., the distance
from top 15 to opening 13) be at least twice the distance measured
from the top of fitting 22 to the top of vent tube 24.
To aid airflow via opening 27, a notch or aperture 23 may be
provided on the top of the fitting 22. Therefore, it is important
that the interaction between the fitting 22 and the cap 11 be such
that it does not create an air-tight seal, as this would defeat the
purpose of the vent. It should be appreciated by those with skill
in the art that other designs may be employed for creating a space
to allow for airflow between the opening 13 and the passage 26.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show alternative embodiments of an engagement
structure formed on the vent to permit the swiveling or pivoting
motion of the vent cap. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows an annulus 51
that may be glued or pressed on to vent tube 52. FIG. 4B shows a
different annulus 53 which may be press fit or glued on to vent
tube 52. FIG. 4C shows an alternative embodiment of a possible
press fit annulus 54. The benefit of these designs is that they may
be provided as a retrofit kit for use with existing vents or with
materials such as extruded pipes where forming such features are
difficult or impossible. Therefore, the user is provided with an
easy manner to obtain the benefits of the vent cap of the present
invention without the need of replacing expensive components. In
the preferred embodiment, the annuluses or annuli in FIGS. 4A-C are
composed of a nitryl or plastic gasket; for a retrofit kit the
composition of the annulus may depend to a large extent on the
material used for the existing vent to which the annulus will be
applied. While these structures 51, 53 and 54 have been described
and shown as an annulus extending around the entire circumference
of the vent tube 52, they need not extend around the entire outer
circumference of the vent tube 52 in order to achieve the swiveling
feature of this invention. It should also be appreciated that the
structures 51, 53 and 54 may also be attached to a fitting 22, as
described above, instead of the tube 52.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, vent cap 30 may be mounted to
fitting 32, which is mounted within vent tube 31. The fitting 32
comprises a body 57 and a neck portion 56 integrally formed
therewith. The neck portion 56 of the fitting 32 may have curved
shoulder portions 33 to prevent water from accumulating thereon,
and an opening 37 formed at its top. Thus, if water does enter the
inside of the vent cap 30, it will not accumulate near the top of
fitting 32; this prevents capillary action from introducing water
through vent opening 37. To see the external structure of the
fitting more clearly, FIG. 5B eliminates the tube 31 shown in FIG.
5A and does not show fitting 32 in cross-section.
The alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B include a vent
cap 30 with a generally flat top portion 35 and a continuous side
wall 36 extending downward therefrom to an opening 38, which is
formed at the bottom of the vent cap 30. The side wall 36 is
substantially perpendicular to top 35, which is primarily based on
the ease of manufacturing a side wall 36 that is perpendicular to
the top 35. An inner ring 39 may be formed on the inner surface of
top 35 as an engagement structure for fitting 32. The top of
fitting 32 and inner ring 39 are shaped to permit movement of the
bottom portion of cap 30, (i.e., adjacent to opening 38) relative
to tube 31. In this embodiment, an annular structure 34 may be
mounted on the neck portion 56 of the fitting 32. As shown in FIG.
5B, the annular structure 34 may not extend around the entire
circumference of the neck portion 56 of the fitting 32, as gaps in
the annular structure 34 may be used to enhance airflow in and out
of vent opening 37. The annular structure 34 may be integrally
formed with neck 56 or it may be attached to the neck 56, as
described in FIGS. 4A-C. As further exemplified in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
the ring 39 may not require a separate protrusion formed thereon to
create the necessary interaction between the neck portion 56, the
annular structure 34 and the ring 39. Rather, the ring 39 forms a
wall and the wall simply has an increased diameter at the bottom
thereof to permit the neck portion 56 and the annular structure 34
to be removably coupled by snapping the annular structure 34 into
the ring 39, thus, permitting cap 30 to swivel or pivot with
respect to the tube 31 and the fitting 32. The design shown in
FIGS. 5A and 5B may also be used in connection with other
embodiments of the present invention, which require the cap 11 to
be mounted directly on the tube 12; therefore, a separate internal
fitting may not be required.
As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the present invention may be used
in connection with a variety of different structures. For example,
FIG. 6A depicts the vent apparatus 10 being used in connection with
a fan 62, such as may be used with a restroom, or an HVAC system 64
of a building 66 such as an office or home. In addition, FIG. 6B
shows the vent apparatus 10 being used in connection with a motor
vehicle 68 and FIG. 6C shows the vent apparatus 10 coupled to a
vent pipe of a boat 70. It should be appreciated by those with
skill in the art that the vent apparatus 10 described herein may be
used with any structure having an enclosed space to provide the
enclosed space with a continual airflow while also preventing water
or similar elements from entering the enclosed space.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in
detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications and alternatives to those details could be
developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be
illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention
which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and
any equivalent thereof.
* * * * *